Omanghana
Commercial drivers operating on the Santasi–Tech Junction and Santasi–Ejisu routes in Kumasi have suspended services to protest the arrest of colleagues accused of charging passengers an additional GH¢1.
The drivers parked their vehicles at the Santasi station, leaving scores of passengers stranded and disrupting travel along the affected routes.
They said they would not return to work until the authorities engaged them in discussions about transport fares and stopped what they described as repeated arrests and prosecutions.
Drivers Arrested Over Unapproved Fare Increase
The protest followed a security operation targeting commercial drivers who had introduced a GH¢1 increase without official approval.
Transport fares in Ghana are normally determined through negotiations involving the government and recognized transport unions. Drivers and operators are expected to continue using approved fare schedules until a new adjustment is formally announced.
Some drivers at Santasi nevertheless began charging an additional GH¢1, arguing that the existing fares no longer covered their expenses.
Several drivers and conductors were subsequently arrested and handed over to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department for further action.
Drivers Cite Rising Operational Costs
The protesting drivers said higher fuel prices and the increasing cost of maintaining commercial vehicles had made their operations financially unsustainable.
They also cited rising prices of spare parts, tyres, engine oil and mechanical repairs.
One driver claimed that after deducting fuel and the vehicle owner’s daily sales, he and his conductor were left with only GH¢80 to share.
“Yesterday, my conductor and I made GH¢80 after taking out our sales and fuel expenses. How are we supposed to share that amount?” he asked.
The operators said the GH¢1 adjustment was intended to provide temporary relief while they waited for an officially approved fare review.
Drivers Demand Dialogue With Authorities
Some of the drivers claimed that the government had proposed a 30% fare increase but had not implemented it.
They called on transport unions, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, and relevant state agencies to clarify the official position and address their concerns.
The protesting drivers also alleged that some colleagues arrested for charging the additional fare had been required to pay amounts as high as GH¢10,000.
“Until the authorities meet us for peaceful dialogue on the fare issue and stop arresting us, we will not work,” one driver said.
The allegation concerning the GH¢10,000 payments has not been independently confirmed by the police or transport authorities.
Passengers Left Stranded at Santasi
The withdrawal of vehicles created difficulties for passengers travelling from Santasi towards Tech Junction and Ejisu.
Commuters waited at the station and along nearby roads as the number of available commercial vehicles declined.
Some passengers had to find alternative transportation, potentially at a higher cost, while others experienced delays reaching workplaces, schools and businesses.
The disruption demonstrated the importance of commercial minibuses and taxis to daily movement across Kumasi.
Unapproved Fares Remain Illegal
Although drivers have raised concerns about increasing expenses, transport authorities maintain that individual operators cannot unilaterally change approved fares.
Allowing drivers to introduce separate increases could create inconsistent pricing and expose passengers to exploitation, particularly during periods when fewer vehicles are available.
Any adjustment must therefore be negotiated and publicly announced before taking effect.
Drivers who charge above the approved amount may face arrest, prosecution or other sanctions under existing transport regulations.
Resolution Needed to Restore Services
The dispute is expected to require discussions among driver representatives, transport unions, security agencies and government officials.
Drivers want immediate financial relief, while authorities are seeking to protect passengers and maintain a uniform national fare system.
A prolonged suspension could worsen transport difficulties along the affected corridors and place additional pressure on commuters.
The drivers insist that services will remain suspended until their concerns receive attention, although no formal timetable for negotiations has been announced.
Source: Omanghana
